Trekking in Nepal

What is Trekking ?

In a short form “Trekking is an act of walking for pleasure”.

Trekking is walking along the mountain/ Hill / Himalayan  trails for pleasure or sports. It provides an opportunity to explore the villages, villagers, valleys, mountains and its interior. So trekking means foot travel on mountain trails.

The Wikipedia’s definition of trekking: "Trekking is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery. It usually takes place on trails in areas of relatively unspoiled wilderness. "

When is the best time for Trekking in Nepal ?

• Trekking Season 

Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year. There are four seasons in Nepal. Each season has its distinct attraction to offer. The Nepal trekking season is classified as follows:

• Autumn (September-November )

Autumn is considered as the best trekking season for the trekking in Nepal. September, October and November are fall in this trekking season in Nepal. During in this season offers excellent weather and beautiful  mountain views. Temperature is moderate, making it a good time for any trekking. The sky is generally clear with outstanding views. Occasionally short storms may dump considerable snow at high altitudes.

• Winter (December - February)  

​This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in Himalayas. Though it gets colder in night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively less trekkers on the trail. However, we need to be selective in choosing the winter trekking as climbing and crossing high passes trip won’t be an ideal option. Trek like Everest base camp, Annapurna Panorama, Jomsom Muktinath, Panchase Hill ,  Annapurna Sanctuary, Instant Everest treks etc can be done even in winter.

• Spring (March - May) 

Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons, make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.

• Summer (June - August)  

Summer months really continue up to mid-September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Insect repellent is a nice addition to your What to Bring list. During this season, you can trek in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Mustang and Dolpo.

Types of Trekking in Nepal 

In Nepal we are providing you several kinds of trekking tours :  Popular one is the tea house trek ( Inn to INN walking), we eat and sleep in those simple lodges in the mountains.  The other one is the camping trek means a tented trek we organize with whole trekking crew, also called organized trek  ( camping trek ) Or some are village homestay treks, in local people's house in the mountains of Nepal.

• Tea House (Lodge Trek)

Also known as lodge trekking is a relatively cheap way of trekking in where meals and accommodation are provided in a teahouse. In Nepal, it is quite popular to trekking along the many trails, stopping each night to eat and sleep at a local Tea House. Meals depend on the menu at the tea house, usually the simple basic meals of the local people. Although many tea houses and hotels in the hills and mountains are reasonably comfortable, some may be dirty and, in areas where chimneys are rare, rooms may be smoky.
It's a great way to connect with some of the local culture and definitely suits trekkers not wanting to carry back-crushing rucksacks. The standard of lodgings can vary from very similar to a hotel, to something far more rustic.

• Camping (Organized Trek)

The classic style of trekking in Nepal and can be conducted almost anywhere in the country. Camping trekking is fully organized and supported with a team of guides, cooks, sherpas and porters to accompany you.
All the necessary trekking gears; food, fuel and other goods are carried by the porters. The cook will prepare all the meals during the camping trek. Trekkers need to carry only a small bag as required for the day. At night, tents for dining, sleeping and ablution are provided and set up. Mattresses, sleeping bags, tables and seating are arranged by staff. A Sirdar (chief guide) is employed to pre-arrange and then to oversee the entire program. All land transportation, local permits, taxes, porter insurance, port dues and entrance fees to National Parks or sites constituting an integral part of the trip are arranged.
Trekking

How Difficult is a Trekking in Nepal?

• Easy Trek

Maximum altitude; 3500m
Average duration; 4-8 days of trekking
Physical fitness; general level required. Pre-trek training is an advantage
Daily walking time; 4-5 hours

• Moderate Trek

Maximum altitude; 4500m
Average duration; 8-12 days of trekking
Physical fitness; good level required. Pre-trek training is recommended
Daily walking time; 5-6 hours

• Strenuous Trek

Maximum altitude; 5500m
Average duration; 10-17 days of trekking
Physical fitness; high level required. Pre-trek training is essential
Daily walking time; 6-8 hours

• Difficulty Levels for the Most Popular Treks in Nepal

Everest Region 

• Everest Base Camp trek:   Strenuous
• Gokyo Lake trek:   Strenuous
• Gokyo Lake via the Renjo La Pass:  Strenuous 
• Everest Panorama Trek : Moderate 

 Annapurnas Region 

• Around Annapurna trek:  Moderate/strenuous
• Annapurna Sanctuary trek:  Moderate
• Upper Mustang:  Moderate/strenuous
• Ghorepani poonhill  trek:  Easy/Moderate
• The Royal trek:  Easy

Langtang and Helambu region 

• The Langtang Valley:  Moderate
• Langtang Valley with Gosainkund:  Moderate
• Helambu Circuit:  Moderate

Is it necessary to hire Guide and  Porter for a Trek in Nepal ?

If you stick to well established trails, the short answer is no, you don’t need to hire a guide and/or a porter. You should, however, ask yourself three simple questions;

• Are you happy to carry your own gear for the duration of a trek?
• Are you confident you will be able to solve any problem that may arise during your trek?
• Do you have the confidence to undertake a trek independently?